Advice maternity system please x

[Joleyjojo]

So I am 15dpo strong positive lines. Due to my age 39, weight BMI 31, previous gestational diabetes I had read I may need a higher folic acid dose. I had a chemical pregnancy last month so didn’t want to alert maternity services too early I was going to call about 6 weeks. Anyway thought I better ask a GP about folic acid so going in tomorrow.
the receptionist sent me a self referral badger link. So I answered the questions LMP and submitted. I got a response saying I will see a midwife around 8-10 week. How does the 12 week scan get booked??? Will this automatically be done now because of the self referral? Or do I have to be seen first at 8-10 weeks then get referred? Is that enough time to get a scan date at 12 weeks? My last child was 13 years ago and everything is so different. Xxx

I would take a good pre natal and no doctor is going sit and chat and go over every detail you have google and a brain use it.

You’re pretty much on your own until your first midwife appointment, as annoying as it is. I’d start with the usual pre-vits/ folic acid, they can up your dose later if necessary. You will either get a letter with your 12 weeks scan (which can be anytime between 11-14 weeks) by post after you have made your online referral, or follow it up with the midwife when you see her at around 8 weeks. Congrats on your pregnancy!

You don’t see anyone until your booking appointment at 8-10 weeks, where the midwife will run through your history. You then have your scan at 12 weeks. In my experience I was sent both appointments at the same time.

Bloody hell. You pissed on your chips?!

There’s no need to be rude. Women are genuinely asking for advice as they are unsure.
Ask your doctor when you see them, I’m pregnant after a miscarriage and a chemical and my doctor was absolutely fantastic, he even rang gynaecology to see if there’s anything he could prescribe for me to help prevent a miscarriage, he then prescribed me a low dose of aspirin. Your midwife’s will be able to answer a lot of your questions at your booking appointment. Congratulations!!

Wow you are really quite rude. I was asking as things have changed in 13 years. I have googled and used my brain which is why it prompted the question do I need extra folic acid! I thought this forum was women / men supporting each other. Although says a lot about you feeling the need and taking the time to make such a comment x

Any particular reason for you to be needlessly unpleasant to a pregnant woman asking for help?

OP, I suggest sending a message asking for the higher folic acid prescription linked to your BMI. Waiting till the booking appointment to discuss isn't ideal given the period you take it is the first 12 weeks.

Thank you, I do know that a midwife wouldn’t see me. I was worried that by the time that appointment happened I would miss the extra folic acid. I am taking a good pre natal. I just want to give the baby every chance.

thank you for being kind and helpful x

Thank you for your good advice. I was just concerned I wouldn’t have taken enough of the right things due to my risks as listed.

my mind is a bit more at rest about the scan etc. after a chemical last month just very apprehensive and anxious about it all, especially being 13 years ago. I just want to make sure I am giving the baby every chance

thanks for showing a bit of kindness. X

I've been taking the higher dose of folic acid too, my midwife put the request in for it at my booking in appointment when I was 8 weeks. I didn't get it til I was 10 weeks though and she said to only take until I was 12 weeksmy last pregnancy I took folic acid the whole time I think. So I'd advise that once the midwife has put the request in, follow up with your GP so you get it sooner than I did!

When i was trying just emailed the GP and asked for the folic acid. they gave it to me no problem. I even started it three months before trying for the baby. If you're still having trouble you can buy them online if you look

Thank you. I have no issue buying it I just wanted to make sure I was getting the correct dose. Xxx

yes. advice is BMI over 30 should have the extra dose

Your GP will be able to prescribe the 5mg folic acid.

I had my booking appointment at 8 weeks and scan was booked after that for 12 weeks, it was more than enough time.

Congratulations OP! Yes just contact your GP and request the higher dose, no need to wait for the midwife appointment. The neural tube forms really early in pregnancy so better not to wait. And just for future reference or for anyone else reading ideally you’d need to be on folic acid for 2-3 months pre-pregnancy, again the GP can prescribe the higher dose if required.

Yea you need 5mg, not the OTC 400 mcg, ring up and ask for a script

Thank you everyone . I saw the GP and did indeed need the higher dose which is prescribed only. Thanks for help and advice x