Midwife appointments - is this ok or not?

[Sunshine92]

I’m hoping that you can help me find out if i’m over reacting or not, or if this is normal, as ive never been pregnant before.

I’m almost 16 weeks pregnant with ivf baby.

Because of COVID i havent seen a midwife, and have been told i wont see anyone face to face until i’m 28 weeks. Ive had a booking appt over the phone with a different midwife, and have my 16 week appt over the phone next week, again with a different midwife.

I only had my bloods and urine checked by chance at almost 14 weeks for the first and only time because i was referred to an obstetrician due to having IVF. Had i not have, i wouldnt have had those tests.

My midwife just says face to face isnt essential and over the phone is fine because of covid. But ive not had my weight, or blood pressure or anything checked.

A friend of mine had her waters break at 22 weeks after contracting an infection that would have been picked up in her urine sample however this was not checked by the midwife at 16 weeks.

Am i just worried over nothing because of my friend’s experience, or should i be insisting these things are checked as they should be?

Thanks in advance xx

[Hidden]

I’m sorry you are facing this difficulty at what should be a very exciting happy time for you.

I only can rely what my experience was like with my midwife ( this was before COVID19) I had the blood tests done at the first appt , I also had my urine checked at every appt & blood pressure was checked. I thought testing urine & checking blood pressure was routine as it can be a sign of pre eclampsia ?. Regardless of COVID19 they should be running these essential checks- or maybe as you are under an ob maybe they think your checks could be done there? I would phone your GP & double check it. xxx

[Sunshine92 in reply to Hidden]

GP are even worse 😰 i only got my maternity exemption certificate in the post this week after chasing them to post it because they absolutely will not allow anyone in the surgery. It arrived yesterday not stamped by them so i need to take it up anyway 🤦🏻‍♀️ its been an awful experience.

I think i might mention it to the midwife and my 16 week phone call next week and insist on a urine sample being checked and see what she says xx

[Kyell2]

I don’t think it is ok really but it seems to be a sign of the way things are going at the moment.

My baby is 4 weeks tomorrow and none of my maternity appointments were cancelled as I was considered high risk...but since the baby has been born we’ve not had the same level of care we would normally have had.

All the previously essential checks like the 6 week gp check are cancelled, the HV does most checks on the phone and more irritatingly my baby’s hip scan for his hip dysplasia can’t happen right now as they aren’t doing scans.

I think you are right in pushing your midwife for the urine check, I think that’s the only was to get anything done right now! x

[KiboXX]

Hi Sunshine,

I’m 22 weeks so I managed to have my initial app face to face at 8 weeks which is when you would normally have it and your bloods/urine checked, mine was just before the lockdown. Like you though, I’ve had almost non existent midwife support since then. No 16 week app, not even on the phone and I haven’t heard from her at all. It’s crap and I think some places/midwives are doing a better job than others but it is disappointing.

I did get to see a random midwife at my 20 week hospital scan, they did a urine and blood pressure check so worth seeing if you hospital is doing that to bridge the gap but if you’re really not happy, I would call your midwife and tell them how you are feeling. I’m going to be chasing mine up as I don’t feel I’m getting any support xx

[LunaLovegood11]

Hey, I think I’d push for the tests if you can. Blood pressure and urine for sure.

I’ve been going to my appointments still, and getting the routine tests done, so perhaps it depends on your area what their policies are.

Perhaps the local hospital can help if you call them? Xx

[3005]

I think you should speak to your midwife. I’ve still had all my appointments face to face including my 16 and 24 week checks

Blood pressure and urine we’re taken both times they insist on it so seems strange you’ve had nothing. I was also referred to a consultant because of previous IVF and all this was right in the middle of the peak. If you’re not happy call them, I would.

[Sunshine92]

Thank you all so much!

I’m going to mention my concerns again at my 16 week telephone appointment next week and insist i bring a sample to the GP surgery for testing.

You’d think i’d be used to the postcode lottery of things now, having gone through ivf. But this seems completely unfair 😔 xx