Worried about midwife appointments

[Sherida]

I accidentally missed my appointment with my midwife this week , I know I know, pregnancy brain. My midwife is only in the surgery every 2 weeks, and the next time I can see her I will be 40 +1. I'm really worried to think that I possibly won't see anyone until after my due date (or even worse if I have baby early), I had some pains I needed to discuss nothing serious just a lot of period pains, and what happens if I go over my due date? Do I have to wait until 42 weeks before they see me again, or will the midwife sort something out sooner than that? I ask only because as I said, the midwife is only available every 2 weeks, so week 41 I won't be seeing anyone. And it's my first...and I'm getting nervous....but I won't admit to being scared...and...and....cries!!!!!

Please, someone put my mind at rest!

Hi there

Does your hospital have a pregnancy assesment unit, or antenatal clinic where you could go to see a midwife?

If you are worried call your labour ward and ask if you can go up to be reassured. That is what they are there for. Period pains can be a sign of early labour. Call them up, go and get checked out just for your own peace of mind.

yes, i agree with others.
they supposed to see you every week. have book elsewhere? i mean i was booked with smu at local hospital, and i called them when i started labour as my mw was on holiday.
don`t panic, just call and put your mind rest.
you shouldnt be feeling like this at this stage
good luck

Wow really? Call the hospital? I just don't like to be a bother when other people really need them! OK will bow to your superior knowledge and let you know what happens. Thanks for the advice.

gawd I haven't seen anyone for about 2 weeks and my next appointment is in another 2 weeks-ish, when I will be at 40+1 also.

I am booked for a hb and no one has actually, at any point, come to my house to make sure I don't have huge scary dogs or a house built on an ancient burial ground or whatever it is they need to know.

But my mw is pretty shite. She hasn't tested my wee or anything and I am not sure how to broach the subject...otoh it is my 3rd.

Ok re the pains-that is pretty par for the course at this stage, I'd say, for a lot of women braxton hicks are NOT painless, and also, your body is producing lots of relaxin, which means you get aches and pains.

BUT you should be being seen. I reckon I should be being seen, but you definately should. It is your first, and so they don't actually know how you (specifically) are likely to give birth, IYKWIM.

I'd call up the labour ward or someone. There will be a number in your notes. Say what you have said to us.

LOL Filly about the ancient burial ground! Thanks for making me smile.

Called the ward, they've said pretty much the same thing as you Filly and that unless I have waters broken and/or strong contractions and tightening I shouldn't worry. BH are definately not painless tho! I mentioned not seeing the mw until 40 weeks and that's OK as long as I call the hospital if I have anything out of the ordinary.

My midwives have been for the most part useless and I've not seen the same one twice, so I don't have a lot of faith in them. There have been some pretty basic things noone told me and I'm so pleased Mumsnet is here! I definately feel a lot better now.

I'm 38 weeks and am only being seen every 2 weeks - has been the same with each of my pregnancies.

If you're worried about anything in the meantime though you could make an appointment with your gp. I've done that in the past when I've had concerns between mw appointments - they are generally really understanding.

Good luck

The only thing I would add is that I was measuring large for dates at 38 weeks, so I thought "bugger this" and booked myself in for the midwife at 39 weeks. Just as well I did as my bp had shot up all of a sudden. My mw said "okay, it's high, come in on Sunday morning for testing" Sunday morning?!?! There was no-one there except us, it was completely bizarre. Anyway, my advice is, just book yourself in for an appointment anyway. What's the worst that can happen.

Best of luck!