‘Booking in’ appt not until 11+4 weeks?

[redroseflyer]

Hi,

I’m currently 6+2 weeks and referred myself for maternity care last week over the phone.

My first appt with the midwife at my local GP/Health Hub is booked for the last week of March when I’ll be 11+4 weeks. No appts available before then!

Also told I’d be contacted about the 12 week scan soon. First pregnancy and I have no idea if this is normal or not?

Just to add, I have booked a private scan at 8 weeks.

I thought the birth rate was crazy low in the UK at the minute?! Why is it so busy?

Thanks for any experience sharing or advice 😊

Nothing really happens at the booking appointment, it’s a few basic questions, wee in a cup and possibly a blood test. Generally they’re a bit earlier but there’s really no need for it to be earlier than 11w, there’s no negative to having it then.

There's some tests that needed to be done before 10 weeks (it says this on the nhs website too). I'd get in touch as question whether you can be seen earlier for that reason.

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/your-first-midwife-appointment/

Mine was about the same time. I even called them to check it was OK to have it that late, as i wasnt sure either, and they said it was fine.

They seem to have got later and later where I am
2016/7 - 6 weeks
2020- 8 weeks
2021/2 - 10 weeks

Booking appointment is just lots of paperwork and some blood / urine tests. the 2016/7 and 2020 one then kicks off the ultrasound request but 2021/2 the ultrasound request was done before I went to the booking appointment. I had the letter for the appointment already.

Just to put your mind at rest - when I had my first baby you couldn’t even have a test until you were 12 weeks.

12/13 weeks was normal when my dc were born. 1994 I had the nuchal fold scan at 12 weeks at Kings as part of the pilot project, orgsnused directly by me and in 1997 at a local teaching hospital. The booking apt came afterwards. Why wouldn't, just a waste of resources bearing in mind how many babies miscarry before 12 weeks.

We also used to buy one pregnancytest when we were 2/3 weeks late, by which time there were some early symptoms usually.

Good luck op but it's early days and unkess you have an underlying illness there's no rush.

Seems quite early-mine was 16 weeks for my first. I remember them going over what to eat and thinking I was l almost half-way through. They send your scan appointment but I hadn't been booked in by my first scan.
When you give birth, you will probably think the maternity services are crazy busy, not quiet, at least if you live anywhere near me.