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Go to early pregnancy unit of your area. They are very supportive. Specially if you are spotting or bleeding.
First midwife appointment is generally like that, it’s more just getting answers to the specific medical questions they have. You should have another appointment booked for 16 weeks. My two previous babies were up in North Yorkshire and I’ve moved to London and the contrast in level of support is huge. Unfortunately it does seem to vary be area. Similarly I’ve been told for any immediate issues to go to A&E but that’ll be because the midwives run clinics day to day so wouldn’t necessarily be able to fit you in whereas you should be seen at A&E that day. The midwives just aren’t as involved now as they were years and years ago and I think that’s due to the same pressures all the NHS are facing x
Thank you all so much for the info and advice! It's reassuring to hear that it's not just my area in London and what I can expect moving forward💗xx
I’m really struggling and feel very alone, I’ve had bleeding and a hematoma and my midwife has not answered any of my calls or texts, hoping this will change once I have my 12 week scan x
@Lydia I had my first two up in Catterick and I found the midwives in the area shocking! I had my booking appointment for my daughter at 10 weeks and they didn’t see me again until 28 weeks and that’s because I literally turned up at the clinic until I was seen. Apparently I’d just fallen through the cracks because they were so busy, I get it but it’s still not really an excuse to ignore all communication from people who are relying on you for support. Honestly it’s terrible up there! Hope you get more support soon! X
I’m so sorry it is unfortunately very much like that. You get nothing till your 12 week scan and then suddenly after that they want to see you every other week! Especially if you’re high risk (like me). I know it’s not right as we know we are pregnant for weeks before that 12 week scan but it almost feels to me like the pregnancy officially starts in the eyes of the nhs then. I’ve had so much spotting (both brown and fresh blood) this pregnancy and been so stressful. Had an early scan at EPU and my 12 week scan yesterday and they can’t see any reason for it so they just shrug their shoulders and said some people just bleed… not entirely reassuring. You will feel more support as you go. I think the first 12 weeks are so lonely as we want to keep it a secret as well. My advice if you haven’t already, tell a couple of close friends and family for that support. Or book a private scan if you can afford they are usually very nice and reassuring x