What to expect at Midwife appointments.

[Julie_Smith]

This afternoon I had my first midwife appointment and was expecting to get some information, etc but it seems it was just a hello before I got referred for my booking appointment (though I am worried about time scales given that I'm nearly 9 weeks, not sure if that's enough time to get two other appointments before 12 weeks but we'll see).

I was wondering, what can I expect from my other appointments as this seemed a little like going through the motions rather than preparing for pregnancy. The midwife was lovely but I'm not entirely sure what the purpose was other than to tell them again that I'm pregnant. Any information would be great.

[Hidden]

Hi Julie,

From what I remember from both my 1st midwife appointments is to roughly go through the notes & detailed sections in your green pregnancy diary/book & to answer any other questions or queries you may have about your upcoming appointments & etc.....

I think different areas in the u.k have different policies in regards to antenatal appointments but as your pregnancy goes on you should have or be invited to more antenatal check-ups to check your baby is growing happily & healthily.

xx

[Hidden]

Hello, and congratulations!

I'm not sure what you mean about time scales and having two more appointments before 12 weeks?

I had an appointment about the same time as you, then had to wait for the dating scan at 12 weeks. After that, I saw a MW at 16 weeks, had a 20 week scan and appointments at 24, 28 and 32 weeks. My MW was fully booked for my 36 week appointment, so seeing her next week!

During your first 'booking in' appointment, you'll be given a file, which you take to every appointment. Your Midwife will go through both yours and your partner's medical/family history and probably give you some contact information.

The next appointments don't last as long as the booking in one. In fact, they're pretty short in my opinion! From the start, my urine was tested, blood pressure checked and my bump was measured. From 16 weeks you can sometimes hear the baby's heartbeat (not everyone can, it depends on how they're lying), and this will be monitored at every session. There are a couple of blood tests, too...but I can't remember when I had mine!

I've not really found that I've been given information on 'how to prepare', but if I have any concerns or symptoms that I'm worried about, I make sure I have a note of them which I take with me when I visit her. If you have any questions or anxieties, then you can always share them on here, or alternatively, if you've been given a general telephone number for your midwife you could call that (if it's like the one where I live, it's a non urgent answer phone service where someone phones you back the next day)

Sorry for the long reply, I hope this helps! X

[Jellie75]

I first met my midwife at 12 weeks and that was my booking in appointment which lasted about 1 hour and was very informative. I think it is nice you got to meet for an initial 'Hello' first Following your booking in appt you will have your dating scan but that may not be with your midwife - mine was with just the sonographer and I was 13 weeks then. Sounds like everything is in order with your appointments so relax and good luck!

[Lovestar]

Hello,

My first appointment with my midwife was the booking appointment which took a while to get mine and my husbands medical history etc. After that the appointments were short - urine test, blood pressure taken and towards end of pregnancy bump measurement and a listen to the heart beat. There isnt any real 'prep for pregnancy', I was given a NHS textbook which is full of information about pregnancy so I just referred to that and didn't really have to ask the midwife any questions at all. You will get a chance to go to prenatal classes which are more interactive etc but if you have any questions just ask the midwife and she will help you with any concerns. Congratulations and good luck!

[Cheekymonkey85]

I had an appointment like yours before my booking appointment at about 9 weeks, seemed strange to me. I had my booking appointment a week later then got referred for my first scan. The scan doesn't have to be at exactly 12 weeks, so don't worry, but you shouldn't be kept waiting too long. I didn't have mine until I was 13+6.

I think everyone has covered what to expect congratulations, good luck & I hope you enjoy your pregnancy xx