Where do I start?

[Vkarty]

Great news on my pregnancy but unclear as to what happens next with NHS. I went to see my GP to tell her the news and find out what's next. I want to set the first appointment with the midwife and the week 8 scan but despite intensive search online, couldn't find how to actually book it. Help anyone?

[emmab178]

Nhs first scan is at 12 weeks if you want an earlier scan you can pay privately and they are about £80 or 90. At least this is what they do in Hampshire which is inline with the NICE guidelines.

First midwife appointment should be before 10 weeks for the booking appointment, she will then get the paperwork going and you wait to get the date for the 12 week scan.

Nhs choices website have lots of info on pregnancy. Early on you should be taking a pregnancy multivitamin and staying away from certain foods.

I phoned my GP and told them I was pregnant and how far gone and they booked my appointment with the midwife.

Hope this helps

[KellyTrip]

Congratulations! It seems that every area is different. For us we book a GP appointment first. We go to that and get our green book and we are referred to the maternity wing at the hospital. We then wait for a letter confirming our booking appointment and 12 week scan. Some areas have to contact the midwife directly but your GP should tell you what you need to do.

[Vkarty in reply to KellyTrip]

Thank you both. I did see the GP and she told me there's a form to fill on NHS website to book the midwife appointment but I couldn't find anything... I'll just call again and ask her to inform them. By the way, any reviews on St Mary's hospital in terms of quality of service in this context?

[emmab178]

Which st Mary's? There's a few(!) I think you are stuck with your nearest hospital and hope they have space. Seems there's a baby boom on.

I googled st Mary's self referral midwife form and a couple came up for imperial etc but as you say GP should be able to advise

[Vkarty in reply to emmab178]

Thanks. Didn't realise there are a few... St Mary near Paddington

[roxannacar]

I never saw my gp, just called the surgery and receptionist gave me a number for the midwives, called them and did referral that way.

The NHS doesn't offer 8 week scan, but routinely will offer 12 and 20 week scan. If there's any problem then they will offer further scans. The NHS choices website has some very good ante natal info that I'd suggest reading. I think it also explains about ante natal screening tests, although I received separate info leaflet at home about that.

Make sure you're having folic acid. If you're bmi is higher than 30 you need a higher dose via gp.

[Megb17]

Hi. I too am very early stages of pregnancy with my first baby (about 6 weeks) and the GP receptionist refused to let me see a GP to confirm things, apparently the over the counter tests are just as accurate these days. She booked me in with the midwife when i will be 8 weeks, until then just got to be patient! In this heat, my legs and feet have swollen significantly which I am quite worried about, but reading the NHS advice online its quite normal and the heat (like today) can cause it - anybody else get swollen legs in early pregnancy?