Medical Support

[emdeb]

When I found out I was pregnant just before christmas and spoke to the docors about making an appointment, they said that they wouldn't see me until 8 weeks. This is now my third bfp after 2 close MCs and I was just wondering if anyone has been able to see their midwife earlier than usual just more for the support than anything?

 

[zoe87]

When I found out I was pregnant just before christmas and spoke to the docors about making an appointment, they said that they wouldn't see me until 8 weeks. This is now my third bfp after 2 close MCs and I was just wondering if anyone has been able to see their midwife earlier than usual just more for the support than anything?

hi, I had 2 close mc over a year ago now & im pregnant again. I was also told my midwife wouldnt come out till 8 weeks and how most GPs or midwife wont refer you for early scans unless you've had 3 mc.
If you are worried or anything maybe you could ask your GP to referr you to midwife sooner & express your worrys. FX crossed he will bcos i know just how worrying it can be.
I suffered some pain 2 weeks ago and went down to A+E where i was referred to the EPU the next day for a scan. Maybe you could self refer youself there to reassure you more.

 

[summer rain]

Hi

if the policy in your area is not to early scan until after 3 MC (and I know from ladies here locally that here its not; but it must vary from area to area) then get yourself down to A&E if you don't have actual bleeding they may fob you off but its always worth a try; thats how I got referred in my first pregnancy....

 

[emdeb]

Thanks guys. I just feel that when I was going through the last 2 MC no one gave a flying monkeys as to how I was feeling and were very un sympathetic.

For the first MC my doctor wanted to send me to the EPU but there were no beds so I had to go and sit in A&E for 5 hours just for a scan. My doctor was great and sent a letter complaining about the treatment I received.

For the second MC went to A&E when I started to bleed but wouldn't do anything and the ultrasound department was closed. Had a snotty lady from EPU who made me cry.

I just personally feel that these first few weeks are the most important to get everything right and you should really get that information from your midwife. Luckily everyone on BnB have been great and have answered every stupid question i've asked.

 

[kermit4]

Hey emdeb,

Firstly I wanted to say how sorry I am for your losses. Facing a subsequent pregnancy takes alot of courage and strength so I hope you get the support you need at this time.

don't get me started on the lack of support here. Granted I only had one miscarriage but it was a missed miscarriage discovered at 14 weeks. I had a follow up appointment with a consultant at the hospital afterwards who told me I would get an early scan for my next pregnancy.

When I did fall pregnant my GP told me the same thing and gave me the number of the EPU so I could call to arrange it. I was told when I phoned that they couldn't scan me because they only deal with early pregnancy scans and they only offer a "reassurance" scan after the gestation at which you had complications last time. That meant they couldn't do a scan for me. The woman I spoke to told me that it wouldn't reassure me... (how did she know what I would or would not find reassuring?) I was made to feel like it was a service that they only ever offered grudgingly to appease hysterical mothers. She fobbed me off by telling me that I should call the midwife myself and make sure I got an early appointment there.

To cut a long story short, after all the phonecalls and fobbings off, my first contact with the midwife was at 12 weeks and my first scan was at 13 weeks. Not one person I have spoken to at appointments has been aware of my previous miscarriage and when I mention it not one of them appears to genuinely give a damn. Sooooo frustrating!!!! I'm not expecting special treatment but an aknowledgement of what I might be going through right now might be nice!! Pregnancy is a physically trying time but also an emotionally trying time.

The services here are so overstretched it's just awful.

I suspect that if I had been really anxious early on and it was affecting my day to day life, I could have gone back to my GP (who has been the most supportive here) and she would have done more to arrange an early scan. As things stood, I thankfully managed to keep my anxiety in check although I did end up paying for an early scan at 10 weeks. (it cost me £65 and was well worth it for my peace of mind.)

I also am thankful for all the support I found here during that time.

Best wishes for a happy healthy pregnancy,
Much love,
K.x