Anxious first time parent ... unsure how far gone I am?

[Dollface92]

Hi All,

So after feeling pretty crappy last week I took two pregnancy tests which confirmed my suspicions within 5 seconds on my pee hitting the stick.

I've got Pcos and so put my lack of periods down to that. Last period was approx November i think? I wasnt expecting any of this so didnt really keep track.

Called my drs today just to be told its all online and I have to self refer to a midwife.

Receptionist was rather snobby about it. Surely if I want to see a dr in regards to this i should be able to and also Im having anxiety over the fact that I dont know how far pregnant I am. Online suggests anything between 9-16 weeks and Im freaking out a little.

Anyone have experience with self referral and how long it roughly takes?

Tia x

[emmam159]

Congratulations. On finding out i was pregnant I called my GP and after they confirmed the pregnancy they just gave me the midwives number to call myself. I'm 6 weeks now so they said they normally wouldn't see anyone before 8weeks so booked me in for 2weeks time. Hope this helps x

[emmam159 in reply to emmam159]

Although going by what you say, they will probably get you booked in for your first appointment as soon as they possibly can x

[Cheekymonkey85]

The midwife really is the person to see. There isn't much a gp can do as you will most likely be sent for a scan soon to help determine how far along you are, and that's the midwives job. Get yourself referred & it should all happen fairly quickly x

[2Baby2019]

Hi the midwife will work out from the first day of your last period. If it helps mine was 2nd nov and I’m 14+1 day. U maybe able to work out from the first day of your last period but the dating scan is more precise

[Hidden]

Hi tell the midwife your last period was Nov even if that not your actual conception time you’ll be see sooner and get a scan you can explain at your booking appointment

[EvaK82]

Hiya,

First of all congratulations!!! I know it can be very tricky to conceive with PCO. So I wish you all the best! 🤞🏼

I live in London and am at UCLH hospital. I self referred - super easy. You fill out a form online and they get in touch with you. They dating counts from the first day of your last period. So they will expedite you very likely if they see how far a long you are.

But don’t worry! Nothing much happens at the beginning.

I’m gone 16 weeks now and all I had was a midwife “booking” appointment at 8w (just before Christmas): here the midwife gives you your maternity map and goes through your medical history, blood pressure, sample and urine sample are tested (Urine sample and blood pressure are tested every single time you go to the hospital). It was a lovely appointment as it didn’t feel rushed and everything gets confirmed and you get your map and I just felt “officially” pregnant. But medically speaking - this could have taken place later too! They assess your risk profile at this point and decide I what care pathway you will fall. Most are low risk and therefore mainly see midwives T fairly spaced out fixed intervals. There is always the walk in clinic for any issues in between where you WAIT until you can be seen. (Wait in caps as it can take vvvv long 😅)

Then at 12w I had the first scan. they call it the dating scan as they attempt to measure the baby from crown to rump to decide how far along you are a s determine your due date. And to check all basic organs are there, both arms and both legs etc. This one is a bit more important to get the timing right of the scan as there is a window in which all baby’s develop at the same pace. After a while the growth patterns become more driven by individual gene and it’s more difficult to predict accurately. That’s why some people have 3kg and others 5kg babies!

I would do the referral today and then you can always do for a private scan while you wait for them to get back to you. For example window to the womb wA recommended on here a few times. We went on Sunday and got a same day appointment. They have an early feasibility package - which is what you would need.

You might have missed that perfect window but the hospital should then give you a range of possible due dates. And remember only 5% give birth on their actual due date anyways!

But when you do the (private) Scan, It’s soo nice to see baby on the big screen and hear their heartbeat 💗 for the first time... prepare to get emotional 🥰

Crossing my fingers for you!

And do update us how far you are if you feel up for it xx

[Nin21996]

I self referred to my midwife before I was 4 weeks and got seen at 8 weeks, but as there’s a likelihood you’re over that date they’ll probably schedule you in for a booking appointment and scan ASAP. Congratulations by the way xx

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

Just ring and make a dr appointment without telling the receptionist why, at least the dr can give you some reassurance whilst your online midwife referral goes through. X