Antenatal appointment advice

[LovelyNanny26]

Hi.I'm 36 and this is my second pregnancy and I'm currently 6w.In May I had a miscarriage at 9w so this time around im reluctant to book my antenatal appointments.I ideally would like to wait to avoid the disappointment and I have been offered overtime the week I turn 12 w.I can't really turn it down due to everything going up and Christmas being so expensive.Will they see me so late and offer scan and midwife appointment on the same day.

I may be wrong but I think you need to self refer to the midwives and then they arrange your scan, so you would need your midwife "booking in" appointment earlier than 12w.

I'm sorry for your loss

Your midwife organises your 12 week scan during your booking in appt that usually takes place between 8-10 weeks, so if you don't book your booking in appt you won't receive a 12 week scan.

The 12 week scan can actually be between 12 and 14 weeks.

Self refer to midwife and when you get your appt if you can't make it call them and ask for a different date.

Sorry for your loss.

When exactly are you planning on self referring? Because scans and appointments need to be booked weeks in advance as everything is so busy. There's also the small matter of Christmas, and the myriad of bank holidays when there are no appointments.

I get it's scary and why you're apprehensive (I know I was after MC), but I think you need to bite the bullet, and soon. You could be risking not getting your 12 week scan done in time for the NT testing. If you don't want that done, then sure, you will probably be ok with a late booking and scan.

Thanks maybe is best if I just do it.

I'm just really apprehensive and don't want to get my hopes up.x

I understand the apprehension I had a mc as well.

I thought going to the 9 week appointment this time was pointless. To be honest you might have those feelings for a while regardless. The appointment can pick up issues too, they found I had low iron.

I had the dating scan at 13+3, they then put me two days ahead. If you want the nt and other checks then make sure it’s scheduled before 14 weeks, but it doesn’t have to be in the 12th week.

I had two booking appointments followed by mcs so I completely understand
where you’re coming from. Will your epu do an early reassurance scan? Ours will do one after a mc. If so, perhaps you could get one at around 8-9 weeks and if all looks fine then refer yourself? I know it’s not a given that nothing will happen after that but at least the risk of a mc will be lower, and you will still be likely to get the booking appointments and scans at the right time.

I live in Surrey so I think the offer early scan after two miscarriages.

Hey, midwife here. I’m so sorry for your loss earlier this year and totally understand your anxiety. But really do self refer to your maternity unit sooner rather than later. My trust as an example have a shortage of sonographers so are struggling to fit in the nuchal scan within the time frame, so if you leave it too late they may not fit you in the correct time frame. Some trusts are tight on how many women they can accept per month, not sure if yours is one of them so if left too late you may be turned away.

Thank you for your answer.I have referred myself just now.