Just tested positive — next steps advice!

[jgpet]

Hi!

Apologies if any of this is naive; I moved to the U.K. last year and have only been to the GP once or twice, so i’m not 100% sure how the NHS works! I have just had a few positive pregnancy tests; I also have just moved to a different neighbourhood so I’ve had to register with a new GP here (did this yesterday after seeing the test). I’ve sent in my paperwork, so not sure when I’ll hear back but I was wondering if anyone had any rough estimates on how long this can take? I also was wondering how soon I should be going in to get my bloods done etc? I keep reading as soon as possible, but the lady I spoke with at the GP seemed very relaxed and I guess because of covid things have slowed down considerably anyway! I would just like to get tested as soon as possible because I’m so worried something could go wrong or there’s something to worry about. I know that’s silly, but I was diagnosed last year with a poly cystic right ovary (however, I’ve had 3 prior ultrasounds that all didn’t show this, so I’m not sure how accurate this was and my GP wasn’t sure either). I just want to make sure I do all the right things as this is my first!

Anyway, thanks very much for reading this far! Hope you’re well! xx

[Naturelover86]

Congratulations. You need do an early referral form usually to a pregnancy unit at a hospital. Then you’ll get an appointment and have bloods taken. Then you’ll get a scan at 12 weeks.

[Seb9]

Hi congrats on your pregnancy, the nhs website has a great section dedicated to your pregnancy journey.

Once you've contacted your surgery and referred to the midwife, they'll normally get on touch and you'll have a booking in appointment around 8 to 10 who's, you'll normally get your bloods taken then but with Corona virus this might be different now.

Once you've had your booking in appointment the midwife will get your scan booked in and you'll get a letter from the hospital with the date, which should be between 12 and 14 weeks.

nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy...

Best of luck

[roxannacar]

Get tested asap for what? If you had a positive pregnancy test at home it will not be rechecked. Did you tell the receptionist that you're pregnant? Normally they give you a no. For midwives/tell you to fill in a form/refer you. A few GPS have a midwife at the practice but this is unusual. Basically you need to find out from your gp (receptionist) how to get this sorted.

The NHS website has an outline of appointments, although this might be different due to Corona virus. You normally only get two scans at 12 and 20 weeks, unless there are any concerns.

[QT314]

Hi! Congratulations!

I think things vary depending on the area. Definitely mention it to the gp if you haven't. In my case I had to decide which hospital I'd give birth at (which you can change later on) and then go to their website and fill in a self referral form. A few weeks later they sent me a letter with the date of my first midwife appointment. In other areas is the gp who refers you to the hospital.

[Bakingcupcake]

I work in a GP surgery. You should be on their system by 24 hours if they registered you on the day you handed forms in. In my area (Scottish borders) if anyone calls to say they are pregnant we give them the number to call the midwives who are based at a different centre, they book an 8 week booking in appt and take things from there. If i were you i would call your GP surgery tell them your pregnant and that you need the number for the midwives or ask where you do the self referral and go from there. Congratulations xxx

[jgpet]

Thank you all for your replies! In the US I was told that they called you in for a beta-HCG test and it seemed like some of the people I talked to had these a few times to check for a chemical pregnancy/any other issues. I just wasn’t sure if I needed this sooner rather than later. Thank you again, this has been so so helpful! xx

[Hidden in reply to jgpet]

We don’t routinely have beta-HCG tests done here. When you get a positive tests either look on your local hospitals website to see if you can self refer to a midwife or speak to the GP receptionist to see how it works in your area. You’ll then see/speak to midwife at 8-10 weeks and have a scan around 12 weeks

[Jeppela_]

Hi,

Congrats to you, I’ve just tested positive also for our second and final!! Complete the NHS online referral form - a midwife should get in touch with you.

We have a zoom meeting with ours organised for week 9. Also, they will leave a number so you can basically reach them 24/7 (not sure about where you are but that is the case in my area).

I am unsure of any ultrasounds as usual for the 12-14 week but we are hoping for one just to make sure everything is on track!

Best of luck!

[jgpet in reply to Jeppela_]

Ahh thank you so much! Congratulations!! Thank you again Best of luck to you too!

[Jeppela_ in reply to jgpet]

Just to let you know, I received a letter today from my chosen hospital with a date and time for my 12week scan! Feel more relieved I can see what is happening inside!

I am from Australia and had my first here, my experience was so so good! The midwives take such great care of you! 🤗

Do get intouch if you may need anything, happy to help... although unsure where my brain has been for the past 14months and where it will be when I have 2 under 2!! 😅😅

[jgpet in reply to Jeppela_]

Ah thank you! I've just called the GP today -- I realized I registered with the wrong GP so had to re-register with a new one closer to my house! Oops! And I'm from New Zealand so same hemisphere, it's great to hear that everything here went very smoothly and that the doctors were so great. Thank you so much, you too! So excited for you on your journey! x

[Runningblue30]

Hey, congratulations on your pregnancy amazing news!

I’ve recently been in the same situation, found out I was pregnant & moved areas.. I registered with the new GP & they referred me on to Community Midwife Team. I had a telephone consultation when I was just over 9 weeks & they’ve referred me for my scan (still awaiting a date) & then they dropped my midwifery book to my house then following day with my blood forms in.

I will have another telephone consultation at 16 weeks after my dating scan.

They’re not seeing anyone in my area face-to-face until 25 weeks due to Covid-19. Whether this will be same for your area I’m not sure?

Hope this helps xx

[jgpet in reply to Runningblue30]

Ah thank you so much, congratulations to you too! That is very helpful, thank you so much! I ended up having to register with a different GP bc I registered with the wrong one the first time, but once that's all gone through I'll make sure to find out about consultations and my scans! Thank you again! xx