TnKL

Hi all ^_^

It's my first time being pregnant and in England. Can someone tell me what is the protocol?

So far, I had my first appt ever with the midwife to do paperwork at 12wks.
Besides doing paperwork, she also check my blood pressure. But that was it.

My 2nd appt was at 13wks with the midwife for a blood test and a urine sample.

3rd appt was for my 1st scan at 13wks and they also took my blood test on that day too.

My next scan is at 20wks and next midwife appt is at 26wks.

When my sister was pregnant in the U.S., she gets looked after a lot more. I mean they see her like every 2 weeks by a doctor and not a midwife. They measured her bump, take her weight, blood pressure, heart rate, food intakes, glucose test and do follow up throughout her pregnancy.

I'm a bit concern and confused about all this. I feel like I'm not getting enough checkups.

Thanks!

ella170

i think more or less every hospital/GP/midwife is different. after my 20 week scan, i don't think i'm supposed to see the midwife until i'm 25 weeks. i think you could be getting more checkups, but then they know what they're doing don't they, so i wouldn't be too concerned, although it does seem a bit long.. maybe you should phone up and ask them about this?

TnKL

Thanks ella170,

I did phone up and she said I don't see her until im 26wks. There's a 13wk gap and it'll be only my 2nd checkup visit really.

Ria_Rose

I think that sounds normal, think you've seen them more than most.

If you are considered low risk, then after the 'Am I pregnant' docs appointment you don't see anyone till your 12/13 week scan, then you have a 16 week MW appointment, then a 20 week scan, and then it varies, they told me that as this is my first pregnancy I will see my MW every 5 weeks after that, and more if there are problems, I think you see them less than that if you have already had a baby.

As for the attention your MW gives you each visit really seems to vary on the MW, mine didn't want to do much but a blood and urine test, no measuring, no Heartbeat. But some people seem to get more.

It should all be in your notes, there's a flow chart about halfway through the pack.

Mervs Mum

You cant really compare with the US as they dont have a health system thats free at the point of delivery like we do. They pay insurance and the cover can be varied at it can be with my type of insurance policy.

As Ria said, you've had a lot by some UK trusts standards!
x

TnKL

I don't have a 16wk mw appt. Hmm...

I do have medical insurance in the state. But my husband works in London and he wants me to have the baby in UK so he can be there.

If its normal, I guess there's not much for me to worry about.

Thank you!

Younglutonmum

Hey hun!!

Definitely sounds like you're recieving standard UK care. I was so gutted when I realised I wouldn't be seen as much as possible!! I got it into my head that i'd have an appointment every 2 weeks or something. How wrong was I lol!!

I had my first MW appt at 12 weeks followed by my scan the week after. Then I was seen around 18 weeks for bloodwork. Then I had the 20 week scan. I tehn saw my MW at 23 weeks, after which I was meant to be seen at 28 weeks but I couldn't make it so i'm waiting on a new appt now & im coming up 32 weeks!! Madness!!

xxx

TnKL

Thanks for the reassurance. I'm just used to the American health care system I guess. I'll just have to adapt and get adjusted to Uk I guess.

GemLou

After the 20 week scan.. i've been seeing my mw every 4 weeks

Younglutonmum

Suppose so

I couldnt believe it when I read the level of care pregnant American women recieve!

I was heaps jealous lol

xx