What happens at First consultant obstetric appointment?

[SWS20923]

I'm wondering if anyone knows what to expect? I have a permanent urostomy as 7 years ago I have to have my bladder removed. I also have sacral nerve damage. On my first midwife appointment she did a referral to the consultant for after my dating scan. I had the scan today, they booked me into see the consultant on Friday this week. Very unsure what to expect as when I asked they just said to expect to be there two hours! Feel a little nervous not knowing what to expect 😬

I'm under shared (consultant and midwife led) care because of low PAPP-A. I can't tell you what exactly they will be discussing with you in relation to your condition but my appointment was to make sure I understand the additional risk factors, that I'm taking my recommended medications, to explain my options for birth etc. The consultant then also looked through my notes and referred me for an anaesthetist review because of a previous adverse reaction to an anaesthetic.
So I reckon your appointment will be of a similar nature, to talk through any concerns and details of your care and choices. Think about any questions you may have beforehand that you want to ask the consultant. And don't be shy to ask as many questions and for as many clarifications as you need when you're talking to them.

I’m similarly low PAPP-A, and had a totally different experience. We were also told to expect to be there 2 hours; in our case this was 1 hour 45 of sitting in the waiting room and 10 minutes with the consultant and midwife! I think it’s very individual, and they allow the time to talk through what they have found and any issues, but that doesn’t mean it’s anything to be worried about. And if things are less problematic, you might have a shorter visit. Good luck x

I have my second consultant appointment this week, although for different reasons. The one piece of advice I would give is to write down any questions beforehand. I walked out of my first appointment and realised I hadn’t remembered to ask half the questions I had!