Let down by antenatal care

[lara1994]

Currently 28 weeks pregnant and feeling so let down by my antenatal care so far.
During my early pregnancy scan I was found to have a large dermoid cyst on my left ovary (approx 11cm). I was put under consultant led care and advised that I would likely need growth scans to monitor the size of the cyst and check it’s not interfering with the pregnancy.
I mentioned this to my midwife at my 8 and 16 week appointment and was told I would see a consultant at 20 weeks.
Well 20 weeks came and went, no consultant appointment but had my 20 week scan, all seemed okay, they did find I had a low lying placenta. I was advised by the sonographer to come back at 28 weeks to check the size again and review the placenta. When I went to book in I was told that I needed to sort this through my midwife and couldn’t do it directly through the antenatal unit.
I had my 25 week appointment with the midwife last week (two weeks late as they had messed up my original appointment at 25 weeks) and I explained I had not yet seen a consultant or been able to book in for my next scan. Apparently there was nothing in my medical notes to state I needed any of this.
Anyway, she resent the referral to the hospital and I was told it has been accepted. However I’m now 28 weeks and I have still not heard about the consultant appointment or the growth scan. I have tried calling the hospital but I can never get through. I feel like at this rate I’m never going to actually see a consultant.
I just feel like there’s a total lack of communication and feeling really let down by the service. This is my first pregnancy and it’s just added to my anxiety.
Has anyone else had such a bad experience or have I just been unfortunate so far? Is this normal for antenatal care??

It is poor and unfortunately very normal.

I have found the hospital and midwife are not always joined up. It is rubbish as things get missed or letters lost.
you are doing the right thing calling the hospital. If you really can’t get though to the hospital department reception I would go in person and ask it is better than worrying They will be able to tell you when it is or book it in. Your midwife can’t help as it isn’t her who books it. You shouldn’t have to but you will need to advocate for your care to make sure you get the checks.
i had v similar with a cyst (a bit smaller) and no issues with appointments or birth but I have known other people who had essential care missed

My appointments were v light, the consultant one was just a phone call.

The growth scans were not as frequent as the midwife measuring ones but v reassuring to see baby. I can’t remember exactly but maybe only 2 to 4 of them more towards the end

Can you go to the hospital in person and speak to someone there - people are generally approachable and happy to help when in person.
good luck and stay strong, sometimes you just need to do the work yourself for yourself.
just dont get angry at them, it is not worth your emotions.

Reach out to PALs within your hospital and see if they can unblock or provide guidance. Good luck.

Yes! My care has been shocking, both antenatal and perinatal.

i had a perinatal mental health appointment when I was about 19 weeks and the service lead and another worker sat in my lounge and promised me all the support I needed.
the lead flew to Dubai the next day and the other worker “checked in” two weeks later and said “I can’t remember what we discussed or what’s planned for you but ‘Jane’ will sort that when she’s back” it was a 30 second call.

Jane (not her real name) turned up at my house on a Monday when we had scheduled the apt for the Tuesday. I know this because I was at a cardiology appointment with my other half that had been in the diary for weeks and I wouldn’t have booked her in for the Monday. When my mum opened the door as she was babysitting my son, Jane asked for “Rebecca”, my name is Rachel.

then, when I chased up a scan that I needed due to excess fluid I was told I was chasing too early as my two weeks wasn’t up until that Friday. I said they were wrong and they were already 3 days over…. Turns out Fridays deadline was for, you guessed it, Rebecca! I still don’t know how they got our notes, scans and dates confused.

I have an 8cm fibroid by my cervix and 4 other smaller ones. They haven’t been monitored (maybe Rebecca’s sonographer has looked for fibroids at her scans?!).

I also got referred to see an anaesthetist in July, as I have a fused lower lumber, which was chased in September and I got my letter today for an appointment on December 2nd when I’ll be 32 weeks.

I’ve only seen my midwife face to face twice too.

I feel your frustration and agree it’s really poor, but I don’t think we’re alone. I just advocate hard for myself and make a lot of noise. Sometimes those that shout the loudest are the only ones that are heard.

I hope you get your scan and have a smoother third trimester.

Best x