Recently pregnant - what next? Post Reply

[ChattoCat]

I just found out I am pregnant (5 weeks) and looking for advice on the medical process for scans etc. I am registered with Northcote Road surgery but have never found them to be particularly useful so would like to arm myself with information before going there as I find they usually send me away with unsatisfactory answers - and that is when I know the questions to start with.

So how soon should i be talking to a Dr? What is the process for booking a scan? When should this happen? Have read about 8 weeks for heartbeat, 12 weeks for US? Is there choice over where you go or is it allocated by NHS? Is private an option? What additional support should I ask for? I am totally confused about whether I need an ObGyn. I am nearly 40.

Know there is a lot of wisdom out there about how the system works so hoping you can share the basics with a newbie to get me started.

Many thanks

[jg75]

Congrats! You just need to see your NHS GP ASAP. He/she will explain the process to you but basically you'll get to choose which hospital (they give you 4 choices I think), you then get allocated a midwife practice and you'll have a couple of appointments with them to take blood tests, fill in questionnaires, etc. Your first scan is likely to be at 12 weeks unless you request a scan beforehand for emergency reasons (hopefully you won't need to). But try to book an appt with your NHS GP as soon as you can because they will explain this much better and put your mind at ease about the process. I think you only get allocated a consultant if they deem you to be at a higher risk, so you probably won't see any consultants at the early stages. Even if your GP surgery isn't that helpful, pregnancy is something they should be used to dealing with so hopefully they can't go wrong there!

x

[jg75]

I should have said, the reason for registering sooner rather than later is that, in my case, I liked to know that I had my appointments booked for a certain date, but the NHS paperwork takes a while to come back so it takes a few weeks to get the first midwife appointment, before which you are unable to book a scan, etc.

[ChattoCat]

Thanks both for insights and ideas.

Yes I have heard Thurleigh Road is great, have tried to transfer there but can't do it. But never really used the NHS much before now, am much more into alternative medicine. The nurse at Northcote is always lovely but on the few occassions have needed a GP have always felt fobbed off. I have a lot of respect for NHS and know that is the best path for some things - they were amazing with my father's transplant - and probably having a baby is another area where they deliver (pardon the pun) - as long as you find the right people.

I lost my previous pregnancy so am quite nervous at the moment but was overseas then so treatment was automatically private on insurance.

Will go and see GP to get the process moving, I know everything takes time.
Cheers

[dansk1234dance]

Just to let you know that you have free choice of hospitals. You can go to any hospital you like (although the closer, the better usually )

[hjm]

Nothing to add on what to do, but Have you tried Battersea Rise Group Practice? I used to go to the GP on Northcote Rd and it was truly terrible. Some of the advice I got was quite scary. If you can't get in to Thurleigh Rd (which I believe is great), BRGP might be another option. I have found all the doctors to be lovely, particularly Dr Bass and they are very helpful when you are pregnant and also great with babies and kids.

[Rich_interiors]

Congratulations!
St georges hospital also has an early pregnancy unit on the ground floor lanesborough wing. You can walk in and self refer between 8-11am I think. You can speak to a midwife and request a scan is you are having any problems or are feeling anxious.
They will give you great advice regarding GP and booking etc.

[babyintuition]

A local team of midwives, therapists and ante natal practitioners have joined together and become 'pure pregnancy' to enable pregnant mothers living in nappy valley to quiz us and acquire lots of information about the local hospitals, and ways to enhance your pregnancy and birth. Please come and meet us at The Northcote Pub on Sunday, 21st September between 2-4pm. Tickets are limited so please apply via www.babyintuition.co.uk or www.neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk or visit our Facebook page.

[Herculesmum]

Congratulations!

I was in the same boat as you earlier this year and I agree with recommendations to get yourself to your GP.

I'm registered with Grafton Square Surgery and they gave me a book "Emma's Diary" that walked through what to expect week by week and just gave me the basics while I waited for the hospital referral to come through.

As soon as we got the hospital referral we had our first midwife appointment where she walked us through what to expect and answered any questions. Plus she gave me my "maternity book" where all appointments are recorded and which includes details of appointments that all expectant mum's should have and with who. I'm with St Thomas but I'm sure all hospital's have it.

I realise its stressful, but I'd say that no matter how you feel about them, get down to your registered GP and get yourself into the system so that you can start to relax and enjoy the experience - well at least the bits that don't involve feeling nauseas

[sandraletitia]

A local team of midwives, therapists and ante natal practitioners have joined together.....
Please come and meet us at The Northcote Pub on Sunday, 21st September between 2-4pm. Tickets are limited so please apply via http://www.babyintuition.co.uk or http://www.neighbourhoodmidwives.org.uk or visit our Facebook page.

As one of the practitioners form "Pure Pregnancy" I would highly recommend you consider Natal Hypnotherapy. We have a Pregnancy Relaxation CD available which you can start listening to from now. Have a look at my website and if you are interested in the CD drop me a line at birthconfidence@btinterent.com

Hope to see you at our event September 21st.