Healthcare process
Show your support
You self refer to the hospital of your choice and they’ll arrange the midwife care accordingly - no need for a GP appointment they don’t actually do anything pregnancy related other than the whooping cough vaccine later on in pregnancy (unless the GP is for something separate) x
Yes I didn’t have gp appt, just told them and they text me a referral and got a midwife appt at about 6-7 wks. Midwife will ask preferred choices for giving birth location wise. Think birthing choices are later as it’s not been discussed with me yet at 19 wks but elective c section is an option (some trusts/midwives may try talk you out of it)
You choose the hospital, and midwife will check again toward end of pregnancy so you can change your mind... or the hospital you planned is full when the time comes like happened to me (you call triage and they will tell you whether to go in and if full let you know where to go so you don't get there and get turned away). Unless there's a medical reason, the advice isn't a planned c-section.
Not many places you go through your GP anymore, I self referred on the hospital I wanted online. They then contacted me with a booking appointment and requested my first scan. I opted for a c section due to previous birth trauma and a previous ectopic pregnancy, as I was consultant led already for being high risk I just mentioned it at every appt, they then put the referral in at 32 weeks and I got my date at 36 weeks for when I was 39+1. Just make sure you do your research as they will ask you why etc to make sure you are making an informed decision, and they will keep asking you too x
I had no idea what to do when I found out I was pregnant! I rushed straight to my doctors lol and they told me I had to choose my own hospital and register for a midwife!! It’s a shame there isn’t like a trip advisor for midwives hahah! Just have a look at all of your local hospitals and see which ones have a maternity unit .. and just make some calls and enquire I guess! Ask to visit them so you can see their labour wards etc and try to make your mind up that way zz
@Carys you can have a c section even if no medical reason as long as you have been given the correct information
@Charlotte that's why I said the advice is not to, not that it wasn't possible.
@Carys ah right I guess would depend on which midwife/consultant you had. I’m sure some will just give the info so that the woman can chose these days
Yes you can choose which hospital and also you can opt to have a caesarean section but you’ll need a discussion with a consultant. Just explain your request to your community midwife and they’ll arrange your appointment. They’ll go through risks of a section and want to explore your reasonings for wanting one.