What happens at consultant appointments?

[CD1987]

Hi everyone.

I am currently 16 weeks pregnant with my rainbow baby. I lost a baby earlier this year in the second trimester and have been referred to a consultant for this pregnancy. I just wondered if anyone has been in the same position and what exactly do the appointments entail? Do I get extra scans or will I hear the heartbeat? The first one is in a couple of weeks so I’ll be about 18 weeks. So far I’ve had 4 scans and all is ok but I have days of bad anxiety, like today, which is why I’m offloading here. I have really watery discharge in my underwear and whilst I know this is common my first thought is leaking amniotic fluid.

I was offered counselling at the time of loss and I said I’d most likely need it if I get pregnant again because I know I’ll be an anxious mess - is this an option available on the NHS?

Thanks in advance for listening to me offload x

Hey @CD1987
I dont have much advice, I am in the same situation as you but I am really early on.
My anxiety is through the roof. I havent even had my first appointment yet.

I did have counselling after my loss and will need them again for sure, its with “petals” you just fill in a form and someone contacts you back. Five sessions cost nothing - as its a charity. Im assuming an NHS referral would incur a longer wait. There are lots of charities that offer counselling sands, tommys etc but I went with petals and would recommend.

I feel your worry and anxiousness though. Im going to be the same!
sending lots of love x

@LM88 thanks so much for your recommendation - I’ve not actually heard of petals before so I’ll look them up. I am so sorry you’re going through the same. I’m so excited one minute then petrified the next that’ll all be taken away from me again. How far along are you? The EPU at my trust looked after us well from 5-9 weeks and I had a few scans within that time frame which definitely helped settle nerves (although the first scan was awful as there was no heartbeat detected). They same time flies unless you’re going through something like this then time seems to stand still. Wishing you all the best. Just keep telling yourself that so many people have healthy babies, it happens everyday. My grandmas had 6 and 8 kids all without problems and this was way before all the medicine and technology we have nowadays so there is hope for us 🤞🏻

@CD1987 PM’d you x

Hi,

I am currently 24 weeks pregnant after a lost at 17 weeks last year. I have had a consultant appointment at 17 weeks. It was really just a reassurance appointment and also she has arranged an extra 3 scans for me between now and due date. Also after each scan I have another consultants appointment. They are keeping an eye on a fibroid that I have as well to make sure it doesn't cause me any problems and my baby is an IVF baby so keeping a check on me for that too.

I did get offered counselling at a mid wife appointment. I said I didn't need it but she said its always available if I change my mind. I am based in Scotland so I don't know if the NHS services are different.