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

Original poster

GP Triage is a JOKE

60 replies

CatsCoffeeChocolate · 27/05/2025 08:23

Hi Ladies,

Just wanted to vent and ask if anyone had advice on what I can do. Sorry if it’s long.

My BMI is over 30, which therefore means I require a 5mg dose of Folic Acid on prescription from the GP. I know this because unfortunately I was in the same position with my last pregnancy.

however, things have changed since then. The only way to get an appointment with my surgery is to fill out an online request, which asks basic questions in regards to pregnancy issues that may require an appointment, e.g: are you experiencing pain? Are you bleeding? Are you vomiting excessively?

So, since my sickness has not yet started, and I’m more so concerned with getting the folic acid so as to avoid any neural tube defects, I obviously had to answer no to the questions.

Long story short, they offered me an appointment for 3 weeks time. That’s way too long for me to wait, so I rang them directly and had an awful experience with the receptionist telling me I need to book online and refusing to help, saying that I’ve “been triaged as non urgent” and therefore there is nothing to be done. I explained my concerns of how it would possibly affect the baby….. she simply said there was nothing she could do.

So, I need some advice please ladies?
Anyone had a similar experience?
Any ideas how I can get the folic acid I require?

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FunMustard · 27/05/2025 14:35

You're being silly. A 3 week wait for a folic acid script when you're already pregnant? Girl. Get a grip. Buy it over the counter or double up on whatever you're already taking.

(On the appointment side, move surgeries. I've never waited more than a few days at my previous or current surgery, I don't know why they seem to be so different here?!)

TomatoSandwiches · 27/05/2025 14:38

handpaintedperiwinkles · 27/05/2025 13:23

I never took any folic acid or vitamins when pregnant, it wasn't a thing in those days and 3rd baby was an accident , all my kids were ok

Well my first two were absolutely fine, turned out I was severely deficient with my third and he was born with a tethered cord and sacral agenisis including other brain and spinal malformations.

There is a reason why prenatal care exists and we shouldn't poo poo it because Sharon at No.35 smoked her usual and had a pint of Guiness twice a week but her wee one turned out ok.

Katiesaidthat · 27/05/2025 14:50

handpaintedperiwinkles · 27/05/2025 13:23

I never took any folic acid or vitamins when pregnant, it wasn't a thing in those days and 3rd baby was an accident , all my kids were ok

My mother in law smoked like a chimney during her pregnancies in the 70s and all her kids are ok. Wouldn´t recommend it though.

Lulu89x · 27/05/2025 14:52

CatsCoffeeChocolate · 27/05/2025 14:31

@Womblingmerrily Apologies, but if you do not like it when people are rude to you, then perhaps you should not do it to others. Your message came across as judgmental and as looking to cause issues where there needn’t be.

I would agree that the thread title should be changed to reflect the issue, but unfortunately I wrote that whilst feeling very emotional, and I couldn’t actually edit the title once it was made, nor would it let me delete the thread and start a new one instead.

There is nothing more I can do. I explained to you that I do not have issues with the process of triage, especially not when carried out with a physical person who can ask questions in response to your answers, and fully assess the issue. However I was making a negative judgement on the online system of triage which consists of nothing but tickboxes of common symptoms.

Again, I understand what the prospect of triage is as a whole, and that is not my issue.

I am unsure why you seem to have taken this so personal, but it really is not. Look through the comments and you will see a prior midwife who spoke of issues with the system. She did not judge my thread title or pass negative comments on it, she just provided some helpful advice.

I know you don’t like the thread title, but I see many things on here that I do not agree with. However, I don’t feel the need to pass on negative comments or try to belittle someone for using inflammatory language. I move on, scroll away, concern myself with other things, which is what I will be doing with this thread henceforth.

As explained, the thread title cannot be edited or deleted, therefore it remains. I’m sorry this upsets you.

Stop stressing yourself out now.. thankfully it looks like you've managed to resolve it fairly quickly so panic over.

Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy!

endofthelinefinally · 27/05/2025 15:00

FunMustard · 27/05/2025 14:35

You're being silly. A 3 week wait for a folic acid script when you're already pregnant? Girl. Get a grip. Buy it over the counter or double up on whatever you're already taking.

(On the appointment side, move surgeries. I've never waited more than a few days at my previous or current surgery, I don't know why they seem to be so different here?!)

You obviously haven't read the full thread.

Jean24601Valjean · 27/05/2025 15:03

Sorry I've only read the first page but I was in a similar situation when living abroad during COVID and struggling to get the NHS' recommended 5mg for my health condition when pregnant. I emailed my clinician in the UK to ask for advice as they only would prescribe 1mg where I live and she recommended getting it on amazon. I just had a quick look now and can't see any 5mg tablets but I did see some 1mg ones which you could take 5 of. Not cheap but might see you through until you can get a prescription.

ILoveMarmite88 · 27/05/2025 15:05

Hiya. Im sorry if this has already been said, i havent been able to read all replies. But with me, i also new id need to take a higher dose. so i called Maternity ward and explained and they just done the prescription for me and i picked up from the hospital. Hopefully this can work for you?

Lots of luck x

OliveBee2 · 27/05/2025 15:21

Some of the replies here are just awful.

For what’s it’s worth OP it is outrageous that your GP can’t generate you a prescription. If (god forbid) there were any issues with your baby when born then someone is accountable.

CJsGoldfish · 27/05/2025 22:29

CatsCoffeeChocolate · 27/05/2025 08:56

@bluecurtains14 I appreciate your response, I never stated how far along I am, which is either 4 wks 2 days according to my ovulation, or 4 wks and 4days going by my lmp. The neural tube doesn’t close until 6 weeks, (4 weeks after conception) so I’ve definitely not missed the boat. Also, I would assume there are other reasons the folic acid is required, besides just this, as it is recommended for at least the first 12 weeks.
I will be going to the pharmacy today to get some.

@SapporoBaby I don’t want priority over sick people. I actually asked if I could just have them prescribed, but unfortunately I have to speak with someone. As I’ve explained, it’s a high dose, so I have not came across them to purchase over the counter. Besides anything else, I work full time, have done since I was 17. I have a well paid job and pay extremely high taxes. I pay for every medication I require because I don’t qualify for prescriptions at zero cost. Pregnancy is the ONLY time where I do not pay for prescriptions and nor should I need to!!!!! Very judgmental comment on your behalf.

Most neural tube defects occur in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy which is why is is important to take it prior to pregnancy. The attitude that you have until 6 weeks is not entirely accurate and most damage is underway in those first couple of weeks. Of course chances are very slim which is a good thing

My point is that you've said you had the same trouble last time so why on earth did you not go to your GP in those months/or month beforehand to sort this out. Far more important to take them before conception for the most effectiveness?
I know you're angry and, yes, the system is crap, but do you not take any responsibility for not ensuring you were well prepared when it actually mattered most?

Wishing you a happy and uneventful pregnancy journey :)

Strawberriesforever · 27/05/2025 22:36

CJsGoldfish · 27/05/2025 22:29

Most neural tube defects occur in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy which is why is is important to take it prior to pregnancy. The attitude that you have until 6 weeks is not entirely accurate and most damage is underway in those first couple of weeks. Of course chances are very slim which is a good thing

My point is that you've said you had the same trouble last time so why on earth did you not go to your GP in those months/or month beforehand to sort this out. Far more important to take them before conception for the most effectiveness?
I know you're angry and, yes, the system is crap, but do you not take any responsibility for not ensuring you were well prepared when it actually mattered most?

Wishing you a happy and uneventful pregnancy journey :)

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She did, actually. If you read her posts you’d know that.

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