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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

What care do you get in the UK?

4 replies

Imiko · 26/05/2024 17:22

Just wondering what kind of care you get during pregnancy in the UK when you have previously lost a baby (in my case at 18 weeks)? Trying to compare the UK to my European experience.

I had my first 2 pregnancies and births in Germany where I had my own gynaecologist who I saw until 40 weeks. I did have a midwife but she didn't do a huge amount, just popped round for a few chats before and after the birth. For both pregnancies I had a vaginal scan at my gynaecologists at 6 weeks to show the heartbeat. My first pregnancy unfortunately ended at 18 weeks, second is now a bonny 2 year old.

During my 2nd pregnancy, due to my anxiety I saw my gynaecologist every two weeks and once a week over the 20 week scan period which was very reassuring. I also had a scan at a specialists who checked for abnormalities in my 2nd pregnancy. I know this is not going to happen here but wondered if there is any extra support - I know I've had a healthy baby since but still feeling anxious as the baby loss and then birth of my baby that died was an awful experience.

I'm back in the UK now and over 40. I've just got a bfp. I know it will be a different experience and am a bit nervous (only because of the unknown). Is it possible to get early scans? Do you have to pay for extra scans and is it worth it (I felt very reassured by my doctor in Germany but have no experience of private scan companies here). Are you monitored more? Would appreciate your responses thanks!

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Imiko · 26/05/2024 17:24

Also forgot to mention that I had the Harmony test in Germany too (although we had to pay for this). Are these or similar tests offered here too?

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blackcherryconserve · 26/05/2024 17:26

It all depends where you are living, I think. DD is in Kent and has extreme anxiety along with physical issues to cope with during pregnancy. Her care has been exceptional although baby had yet to arrive.

MizzMarple · 26/05/2024 17:42

it will depend on the reason it happened and your area but I lost a baby at a similar point and I got:

  • extra scan at 8 weeks
  • self referral access to the early pregnancy unit so if I had eg bleeding I could ring them directly and not have to go through midwife/GP
  • extra scan at 16 weeks (I had to push for this one though)
  • extra scans at 28 and 34 weeks

in terms of extra psychological support I got:

  • extra midwife appointments up to 20 weeks
  • A monthly support group
  • referrals to mental health team and birth trauma midwife if I’d wanted them (didn’t need first but had 2 appointments with second and will have another post natally)

my hospital is definitely on the good side compared to others though. I’m sorry you’ve been through such a shit time.

Imiko · 26/05/2024 23:11

Thanks for your replies! @blackcherryconserve I hope all goes well with your DD's pregnancy and birth. I also had really bad SPD during the last few months of my 2nd pregnancy and I couldn't really walk, even round the block (and we lived on the 4th floor so basically stayed in all the time) so it is physical as well as anxiety for me as well!

@MizzMarple sorry for your loss too. We never found out the reason (had all the tests etc but no conclusive answer). They put me on aspirin just in case during the 2nd which my nhs doctor said I should do when I asked him ages ago. Good to hear that you had access to extra scans and support!

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