4 week gap between measuring baby 35-39 weeks

[Slightlylessclueless]

Hello, I was booked in for a midwife appointment 36w+6 yesterday. However unfortunately I was 10 mins late to it 😩 and was listed as a no show. I feel such a shit as have never been late to one before and hate the thought of messing people around when I know how busy they are.

I briefly got to speak to the midwife in reception, however she just kind of said ‘you’re consultant-led so least you’re being seen’, as I won’t be rebooked in.

However I haven’t been seen by an obstetrician since a 35w+0 scan. I have another scan booked in at 39w+0. Obv lucky to be having extra scans, but this is meaning a months gap between measuring baby or hearing heartbeat. (She was around 16th percentile last time). Does anyone know if this is a normal-ish gap or is it really something that isn’t usually done at this stage?

I'm not sure why the midwife wouldn't just book you another appointment for later this week or next week x

Have you had your birth planning appointment?

Apparently you’re meant to have midwife appointments at 36, 38 and 40 weeks. So it’s weird that she hasn’t booked you in for another soon.

I would phone up and ask that they book your next appointment.

They are really booked up tbh, only offer a Wed and are usually booked about 2 weeks in advance, which is near when my 39week scan would fall.

Although the next attendee was meant to be in for an hrs booking appointment and was out unexpectedly within 10 mins so I am sure there was a gap. The receptionist seemed to think I might still be able to get in because of that, however I distinctly got the impression that it was a punishment ‘a rule’s a rule’ thing from her demeanour.

I mean I know it must be awful to try to manage late attendees, and I would never just be casually late. But now I’ve been thinking about it all night.

I just know if I call GPs the message will prob get through to the same person and she’ll say the same.

I haven’t got anything obvious to panic about, but just unnerved now as I have an auto immune condition and baby’s never really been that big. Also want to be sure she’s still in right position as she was obtuse previously.

Or is 4 week gap 35-39wks not unheard of now, esp in a second pregnancy?

Actually that’s a good point @DuploTrain , I haven’t had the 40 week midwife one booked in (I think she was saying that the obstetrics appointment that I’d have alongside the 39 week scan would count as my next (38w) midwife app?). She just said ‘they’ll decide at the hospital if you need an induction etc’ so sounds like that’s all I’m getting in terms of birth planning appointment.

But yes perhaps I could ring up in the guise of getting a 40 week appointment booked, and then really clarify that they are aware there’s a 4 week gap, as I do feel like this is a bit like a punishment as she was being quite pissy…

Can you find the number for community midwifery, rather than your GP practice? They might be able to fit you into another clinic.

I think you should be seen more regularly than that. You should still be having all the regular midwife appointments even if you’ve got consultant appointments too.

You were late so they couldn't see you, and don't have any appointments available. Shit but your own fault. If you are concerned about baby ring your maternity triage and ask if they'll do your obs and check babies heart rate with doppler? Pretty much all that happened in midwife appointment anyway!